7Up laced with meth kills one in Mexico

One person has died and five people sent to hospital after drinking 7Up laced with methamphetamine in Mexico.

Soft drinks were pulled from the shelves in the Mexicali area south of the California border as authorities investigate how the product was contaminated with the deadly drug.

The news has prompted US health officials to release a warning to travellers to be extra vigilant.

“It is important to check that the seal for any food and drink consumed is still intact and show no signs of tampering,” said Dr Daniel Brooks, Banner Poison and Drug Information Center medical director," said in a statement.

“If you notice any difference in colour, taste or smell, throw it out.”

Side effects could come on rapidly and include irritation of the mouth or throat, burning in the esophagus, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing and a fast or irregular heartbeat, Dr Brooks said.

7Up soft drinks in the US have not been affected by the contamination.

Mexican drug cartels have expanded from marijuana and cocaine trafficking in recent years to include methamphetamine and heroin and the country is a major supplier of methamphetamine to the US market.